PASSION

Continuing the neo-prog/metal direction of Pure, Passion adds even more eclecticism to the mix (I imagine how people would react if Pendragon started the album with the furious riffing of Empathy, thankfully, they placed it second). Rapping, screaming, throat singing, yodeling, electronic effects all can be found here, but luckily in small doses, not distracting from the trademark melodic sound. Song structures are complex enough, with many changes and details, yet never forget about accessibility. Praise is usually reserved for 13-minute Green and Pleasant Land, however I find that piece somewhat repetitive, like an extended beer chant with a silly yodeling outro. I'd chip in my 2 cents for Skara Brae, which, while shorter, sounds truly epic, like a Celtic Iron Maiden-neo prog hybrid.